Adjustable strike

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an adjustable strike having a striker plate, an end cap removably attached to an end of the striker plate, and the end cap having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, each for attaching the end cap with a door frame. The end cap also has a tab for removably attaching the striker plate with the end cap. The invention also relates to a method of providing the adjustable strike.

CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part patent application that claims priorityto and the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.11/901,641 filed Sep. 17, 2007 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,007,017, titled“Striker Plate, a Door Jamb Assembly and a Method of Securing a StrikerPlate to a Door Surround Structure,” which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to an adjustable strike for a door.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to lock a door, a bolt of the lock will generally engage with astrike mounted in a door frame. If the strike is not aligned with thebolt, it may negatively affect the ability to lock the door, includingdifficulty in using the lock or requiring a user to exert a tremendousamount of energy to lock the door. In other situations, an improperlyaligned strike may cause the lock to prematurely fail. In the event theimproperly positioned strike causes an installer to remove and reinstallthe striker plate, such reinstallation could leave unwanted holes orother damage in the door frame.

To alleviate this alignment problem, some strikes are adjustable, wherethey may be repositioned to align with the bolt in an easier manner thantraditional strikes. Conventionally, this is achieved through slottedscrew holes, which allows the strike to be positioned approximately andthen finally adjusted to a correct position. Usually, the initialapproximate positioning requires the installer to hold the strike inposition whilst marking the door frame or drilling the fixing holes.

However, the slots typically provide a limited amount of adjustment and,if further adjustment is needed, the installer may need to remove andreinstall the strike, which leaves the unwanted holes and/or damage tothe door frame. Additionally, performing the multiple tasks of markingthe door frame, drilling holes, and positioning the strikersimultaneously may contribute to an improper initial approximateposition. As a result, it is not uncommon for the installer to place thestrike so far out of position that the adjustment provided isinsufficient to enable the strike to be set in a correct position.

What is desired, therefore, is a strike that has improved adjustmentcapabilities. Another desire is a strike that may be adjusted andsecured in a final position with reduced damage to the door frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an adjustablestrike that permits repeated adjustments within a door frame.

Another object is an adjustable strike that permits repeated adjustmentswithout using requiring fasteners.

A further object is an adjustable strike that includes a plurality ofstriker plates, each interchangeable with one another.

The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled inthe art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed to anadjustable strike having a striker plate, an end cap removably attachedto an end of the striker plate, and the end cap having a firstprotrusion and a second protrusion, each for attaching the end cap witha door frame. The end cap also has a tab for removably attaching thestriker plate with the end cap.

In some embodiments, the striker plate has a receiver for engaging withthe tab of the end cap.

In other embodiments, the first and second protrusions are made of aresilient material for flexing into the door frame and providing aninterference fit. In some of these embodiments, the first and secondprotrusions extend in generally opposing directions and outwardly awayfrom a center of the end cap for engaging with the door frame.

In another embodiment, the striker plate has at least one hole throughwhich a fastener passes.

In a further embodiment, the end cap and the striker plate each having atop surface, wherein the top surface of the end cap is higher relativeto the top surface of the striker plate.

In an optional embodiment, each of the first and second protrusionsincludes at least one finger located at an end of each of the first andsecond protrusions for engaging with the door frame.

In some embodiments, the end cap includes a notch between the firstprotrusion and a center of the end cap for allowing the first protrusionto flex toward the center when engaging with the door frame.

In another aspect of the invention, an adjustable strike includes afirst striker plate and a second striker plate, a first end cap and asecond end cap, where each of the end caps has a first protrusion and asecond protrusion, where each of the protrusions is for attaching theend cap with a door frame. The invention also has the first and secondstriker plates each being removably attachable between the first andsecond end caps, and each of the end caps also have a tab for removablyattaching with either the first striker plate or the second strikerplate.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for providing an adjustablestrike comprises the steps of providing an end cap and a striker plate,extending a first protrusion away from a center of the end cap, andextending a second protrusion away from the center of the end cap in agenerally opposing direction from the first protrusion. The method alsoplaces a tab on the end cap, places a receiver on the striker plate, andremovably attaches the end cap and striker plate together by engagingthe tab of the end cap with the receiver of the striker plate.

In an optional embodiment, the method also comprises the step ofsecuring the end cap and striker plate within a door frame without usinga fastener. In some of these embodiments, the method includes the stepof adjusting the end cap and striker plate within the door frame withoutusing a fastener. In a further embodiment, the method slides the end capand striker plate within the door frame without fastening or unfasteninga fastener.

In another embodiment, the method raises a top surface of the end cap tobe higher than a top surface of the striker plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following more detailed description of the invention, accordingto one preferred embodiment, reference will be made to the accompanyingdrawings in which the striker plate is illustrated in conjunction with adoor frame section, the drawings including:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of the striker plate and part of the doorframe section.

FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts the adjustable strike in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the strike shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 depicts a rear view of the strike shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the strike shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 depicts a rear view of the end cap shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 depicts a front perspective view of the end cap shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 depicts a rear perspective view of the end cap shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an assembly of the strike shown inFIG. 3.

FIGS. 11-12 depict perspective views of the strike shown in FIG. 3 and adoor frame.

FIG. 13 depicts a cross sectional view of the strike shown in FIG. 3 andthe door frame shown in FIGS. 11-12.

FIG. 14 depicts a cross sectional view of the strike shown in FIG. 3 anda side view of a lock.

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of the strike shown in FIG. 3 engaged with alock.

FIGS. 16-18 depict front views of various embodiments of the strikeshown in FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention,reference will be made herein to FIGS. 1-18 of the drawings in whichlike numerals refer to like features of the invention.

The striker plate as illustrated and referred to herein is one form thata striker plate may take. Thus, as disclosed, it is in the form of anassembly that includes a body 11 which has at or toward each end meansfor fixed mounting, namely an elongate mounting slot 12. These slots 12are aligned and are disposed on a longitudinal axis of the body 11.Screws S can be engaged through the slots to fix the striker plate in afinal fixed mounted position.

The body 11, in the illustrated form of striker plate 10, includes acentral elongate opening 12. An insert 13 in the body 11 is locatedadjacent the opening 12. This insert 13 includes one or more openings orapertures 14 with which the bolt(s) of a lock (not shown) can engage.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a striker platecan take different forms to that described above and illustrated in thedrawings. The actual configuration of the body 11, and the manner inwhich the lock bolt apertures 14 are provided, can vary frommanufacturer to manufacturer. Also, different arrangements of elongateslots providing for vertical adjustment of the position of the strikerplate 10 can be provided. The arrangement, as illustrated, is thereforeby way of example only.

The striker assembly 10 is provided with a first projection 16 from oneside of body 11 and a second projection 17 from the other side. Theseprojections 16 and 17 engage with the door surround structure morecommonly referred to as a frame F. The projections 16 and 17 thus locateand hold the striker assembly 10 in its lateral position so as toprovide a means of positioning the striker assembly 10 accurately in thelateral direction. As well they hold the striker plate 10 in positionvertically while the fasteners, such as fixing screws S, are insertedthrough the elongate slots 12 (or other similar formations).

One or both of the projections 16 and 17 may be biased outwardly. In apreferred form of the invention one or both of the projections 16 and 17are resilient or exhibit resilience. The projection thus has the effectof being “spring loaded”. This spring loading can be achieved by virtueof the form of construction used to form the projection and/or itsdisposition relative to the body 11. The projection can be coupled tothe body 11, or to the insert 13, or in some other manner, formed as aseparate component of the overall assembly of the striker plate 10 andbe suitably biased relative thereto.

In the illustrated form of the invention, the projections 16 and 17 areformed integrally as a unit part of the body 11. This provides aconvenient form of manufacture and keeps down the number of individualcomponents making up the striker assembly 10.

In the illustrated form of the invention projection 16 is essentiallyflat and projects laterally from the body 10. The distal edge is formedas an upturned edge or tip 18.

In this form of the invention the other projection 17 inclines upwardlyand away from the base of the housing 10 and is, therefore, formed so asto have a degree of resilience or springiness i.e. is effectively“spring loaded”. This projection 17 terminates at its distal edge in aslightly curved edge portion 19.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the projections 16 and 17 preferably locate ingrooves or indentations G and G′ in parts Fa and Fb of the door frame F.The upturned edge 18 fits into groove G while the curved distal edge 19engages in the groove C.

The spring loading of the projection 17 thus, not only enables the body11 with projections 16 and 17 to be forced into place between parts Faand Fb but also has the effect of wedging or holding the body 11 inplace in the door frame F. The projections 16 and 17, therefore, holdthe strike assembly in a lateral position as well as in an adjustedvertical position. The fixing screws S can thus be inserted to fix thestriker assembly 10 in the correction position.

With the striker plate, as illustrated in the drawings, adjustment inthe third axis is also possible. The insert 13 is held against screws S′(which mount the insert 13) by springs (not shown). Hence the positionof the insert 13 relative to the surface Fc of frame F against which thebody 11 is mounted can be adjusted.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the embodiment,as described herein and illustrated, shows a striker assembly for asliding door. However, it will be appreciated that the concept can alsobe applied to a hinged door.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the strikerplate is open to modification. For example, the projections 16 and 17can take different forms to accommodate different types of door framesections. Also, while in the preferred embodiment, a single projection16 and 17 is provided at each longitudinal side of the elongate body 11,this is only one embodiment and a series of individual projections,lugs, flanges or the like could be provided on one or both side of thestriker plate assembly 10. Alternatively, the body 11 could be formed toengage a flange of the frame section F and a single (or plurality) ofprojections be used to engage another flange or part of frame F to wedgethe striker plate in place.

FIGS. 3-5 depict strike 1 in accordance with the invention, where strike1 includes striker plate 20 and at least two end caps 30.

As shown more particularly in FIGS. 7-9 and 11, end cap 30 includescenter section 32, first protrusion 36, second protrusion 40, and tab 48for removably attaching striker plate 20 and end cap 30 together. Firstprotrusion 36 and second protrusion 40 each extend in generally opposingdirections away from center section 32 for engaging with door frame 64(shown in FIG. 11). As shown more particularly in FIG. 10, tab 48 is aflexible extension that is inserted into receiver 52 of striker plate20, where receiver 52 is an orifice for receiving the flexibleextension. End cap 30 and striker plate 20 may be detached from oneanother by pressing upon tab 48 in the direction A as indicated in FIG.3, where the flexible extension will flex and disengage from the orificewhich allows striker plate 20 to be slidingly disengaged from end cap 30as shown in FIG. 10.

Because striker plate 20 is removably attached to end cap 30, multiplestriker plates may be interchangeable with one another depending upon aphysical characteristic of each striker plate. For example, an installeror customer may select a particular striker plate based upon color,size, shape, texture, and the like. See FIGS. 16-18 for various strikerplates 20′, 20″, and 20′″ all interchangeable with each other and eachremovably attachable to the same end cap 30. In other embodiments, thetype of lock chosen for the door may influence a choice of or beadaptable to select number of striker plates, in which case having theability to interchange striker plates is beneficial. In a furtherembodiment, the installer may choose a striker plate to correct errorsin installation, in which case the striker plate may have a height thatis taller or shorter from other striker plates.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 14-15, striker plate 20 includes bolt hole 22for receiving bolt 23 from lock 25, resulting in a locked door. Strikerplate 20 also includes slotted fastener hole 24 and round hole 26, eachfor receiving a fastener for attaching strike 1 to the door frame in apermanent manner after all adjustments to strike 1 are completed.

In reference to FIGS. 11-13, when attached to door frame 64, end cap 30holds itself and striker plate 20 as an assembly when pushed into ridge66 by an installer. The installer installs fasteners into slotted hole24 and/or round hole 26 after striker plate 20 is determined to be in afinal position. It is understood the invention does not requirefasteners for end cap 30 to hold striker plate 20 within door frame 64.However, in some embodiments, the installer chooses to permanently affixstriker plate 20 and prevent inadvertent adjustment or movement ofstriker plate 20 after determining the final position.

When pushed or snapped into door frame 64 (FIGS. 12-13), upper finger 44is compressed toward center section 32 by ridge 66 and therefore upperfinger 44 has an interference or snug fit with ridge 66, where the upperfinger 44 is compressed against ridge 66. In addition, lower finger 46fits under ridge 66 and is therefore inhibited from separating from doorframe 64 by ridge 66. Upper and lower fingers 44, 46 together hold endcap 30 and striker plate 20 within door frame 64.

In some embodiments, provided upper and lower fingers 44, 46 maintainthe relationship with ridge 66 as shown in FIG. 13, the installer mayrepeatedly adjust end cap 30 and striker plate 20 in sliding directionsshown by arrows C and D in FIG. 12 within door frame 64. Because of theinterference fit with upper finger 44 and because lower finger 46 isheld behind ridge 66, the friction between ridge 66 and upper and lowerfingers 44, 46 allow the repeated adjustments without fastening andunfastening any fasteners.

In fact, no fasteners are needed before or after snapping in end cap 30and striker plate 20 and no fasteners are needed before or afterrepeated adjustments in directions C or D.

For allowing end cap 30 to snap into door frame 64 and, moreparticularly, hold onto ridge 66, first and second protrusions 36, 40flex or bend at joints 38, 42 and this flexing or bending is due tonotches 39, 43 between each protrusion and center section 32, whichallow room for first and second protrusions 36, 40 to flex away fromridge 66 and then, because of the resilient material of each protrusion,return to its shape shown in FIGS. 7-9 when lower finger 46 is behindridge 66.

In some embodiments, top surface 31 of end cap 30 is not flush with orthe same as top surface 21 of striker plate 20. As shown in FIG. 6, topsurface 31 is higher relative to top surface 21, or where top surface 31is further away from rear surface 68 of door frame 64 than top surface21. Because top surface 31 is higher or further away, it inhibits wearto striker plate 20 and therefore preserves an appearance of strikerplate 20. In some cases, top surface 31 reduces contact from other doorcomponents, such as lock 25 in FIG. 15, because the other doorcomponents come in contact with top surface 31 first, which isparticularly beneficial when considering repeated door closing and/orlocking.

Other modifications within the scope of the present invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art.

While the present invention has been particularly described, inconjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident thatmany alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It istherefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any suchalternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the truescope and spirit of the present invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An adjustable strike, comprising: a strikerplate having a longitudinal axis and a receiver; an end cap removablyattached to an end of said striker plate; said end cap having a firstprotrusion and a second protrusion that attach said end cap to a doorframe; said end cap also having a single tab for removably attachingsaid striker plate with said end cap by moving said end cap with respectto said striker plate in the direction of the longitudinal axis andengaging said tab of the end cap with the receiver of said strikerplate; and means for adjusting said striker plate to said door frame. 2.The adjustable strike according to claim 1, wherein said receiver of thestriker plate comprises an opening for engaging with said tab of saidend cap.
 3. The adjustable strike according to claim 1, said first andsecond protrusions being made of a resilient material for flexing intothe door frame and providing an interference fit.
 4. The adjustablestrike according to claim 1, wherein said first and second protrusionsextend in generally opposing directions and outwardly away from a centerof said end cap for engaging with the door frame.
 5. The adjustablestrike according to claim 1, wherein said striker plate has at least onehole through which a fastener passes.
 6. The adjustable strike accordingto claim 1, wherein said end cap and said striker plate each having atop surface, and wherein said top surface of said end cap is higheralong the longitudinal axis relative to said top surface of said strikerplate to reduce contact of other door components with said strikerplate.
 7. The adjustable strike according to claim 1, wherein said meansfor adjusting said striker plate to said door frame comprise at leastone finger located at an end of each of said first and secondprotrusions for engaging with the door frame and sliding with respect tothe door frame in the direction of the longitudinal axis of said strikerplate.
 8. The adjustable strike according to claim 1, wherein said endcap includes a notch between said first protrusion and a center of saidend cap for allowing said first protrusion to flex toward said centerwhen engaging with the door frame.
 9. An adjustable strike, comprising:a striker plate having opposite ends and a receiver at each end; a firstend cap and a second end cap; each of said end caps having a firstprotrusion and a second protrusion that attach each said end cap to adoor frame; said striker plate being removably attachable between saidfirst and second end caps; each of said end caps also having a flexibleextension tab for removably attaching with the receivers at the oppositeends of said striker plate to attach each of said end caps together withsaid striker plate and hold said striker plate within the door framewithout the use of fasteners; and means for adjusting said striker plateto said door frame.
 10. The adjustable strike according to claim 9,wherein each said end cap and said striker plate each having a topsurface, and wherein said top surface of each said end cap is higherrelative to said top surface of said striker plate to reduce contact ofother door components with said striker plate.
 11. The adjustable strikeaccording to claim 9, wherein said means for adjusting said strikerplate to said door frame comprise at least one finger located at an endof each of said first and second protrusions for engaging with the doorframe and sliding with respect to the door frame in the direction of thelongitudinal axis of said striker plate.
 12. The adjustable strikeaccording to claim 9, wherein each said end cap includes a notch betweensaid first protrusion and a center of each said end cap for allowingsaid first protrusion to flex toward said center when engaging with thedoor frame.
 13. The adjustable strike according to claim 1, wherein saidend cap is a first end cap removably attached to a first end of saidstriker plate, and further including a second end cap removably attachedto a second end of said striker plate, said second end cap having afirst protrusion and a second protrusion that attach said second end capwith the door frame, and said second end cap also having a single tabfor removably attaching said striker plate with said second end cap bymoving said second end cap with respect to said striker plate in thedirection of the longitudinal axis and engaging said tab with saidstriker plate.
 14. An adjustable strike, comprising: a striker platehaving a longitudinal axis and an opening at an end thereof; an end capremovably attached to an end of said striker plate; said end cap havinga first protrusion and a second protrusion that attach said end cap to adoor frame; said end cap also having a tab for removably attaching saidstriker plate with said end cap by moving said end cap with respect tosaid striker plate in the direction of the longitudinal axis andengaging said tab of the end cap within the opening of said strikerplate, said end cap, when attached together with said striker plate,holding said striker plate within the door frame without the use offasteners; and means for adjusting said striker plate to said doorframe.
 15. The adjustable strike according to claim 14, wherein said endcap is a first end cap removably attached to a first end of said strikerplate, and further including a second end cap removably attached to asecond end of said striker plate, said second end cap having a firstprotrusion and a second protrusion that attached said end cap to a doorframe, and said second end cap also having a tab for removably attachingsaid striker plate with said second end cap by moving said second endcap with respect to said striker plate in the direction of thelongitudinal axis and engaging said tab with said striker plate, saidfirst and second end caps, when attached together with said strikerplate, holding said striker plate within the door frame without the useof fasteners.
 16. The adjustable strike according to claim 14, whereinsaid end cap and said striker plate each having a top surface, andwherein said top surface of said end cap is higher along thelongitudinal axis relative to said top surface of said striker plate toreduce contact of other door components with said striker plate.
 17. Theadjustable strike according to claim 14, wherein said means foradjusting said striker plate to said door frame comprise at least onefinger located at an end of each of said first and second protrusionsfor engaging with the door frame and sliding with respect to the doorframe in the direction of the longitudinal axis of said striker plate.